Chapter 156: Dad, save me

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Translator: Soafp

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[“――We have work today. Just a meeting though☆’――”]

[“――’See you, Toumachi, don't dwell on it too much.’――”]

Thank you, do your best… I think that's what I said.

I quietly thanked the two who had spent time with me during the walk home and in between breaks (deep respect).

“I’ve got to do my best too… I’m home (heavy).”

Opening the ridiculously heavy door (feels like 10,000,000 tons), I return home. The half-tidied room greets me.

…And then, a strange loneliness envelops me.

[——”Hajime-nii”——]

Ah, that’s right. Until yesterday, my family was all here together. Though one person passed out.

Is Mom okay? If she's forgotten everything from yesterday, that would be something.

…No, that would be bad. I can't make her go through that shock again!

“……”

I stare at the clothes hanging in the closet.

Just five days left until Sunday, including today.

In that case, I might as well wear this to my heart's content until then.

[——”I'm going to talk with you.”——]

“Haa…”

A talk, huh? But I haven't decided anything about what I'm going to say or do.

Last time, it was just Dad, so it was easier. But next time, Mom will be there too.

…What should I do?

I'm starting to think postponing this was a mistake.

Good friends are important, of course, but family is a different matter altogether.

The me my parents know is undeniably from my first year of high school… and my younger sister probably still sees me as being in middle school.

It's no wonder they reacted like that when they saw “this” version of me.

“Let’s go…”

With heavy steps, I head toward the noise. I felt like maybe I could see something if I went there.

Maybe I just wanted to escape this quiet space.

---

I get on the train at the station.

Opening the golden-colored doors reflecting the bright 5 PM sunlight.

For some reason, these doors feel incredibly light.

Maybe they're made of cardboard or something (so rude).

“Oh, it's Rainbow Boy.”

The usual tough-looking guy at the reception greets me.

“You… you’re going all out today, huh…”

“Th-thanks (embarrassed).”

“I didn't expect you to pull off that kind of fashion. It's not like you, but it suits you.”

“Thanks…”

Now that I think about it, despite this appearance, I hadn't stepped into the one place that feels the most “me.”

“But you're stretching it a bit too much all of a sudden… must be quite the growth spurt.”

“Uh, these are special shoes, though…”

“Huh?”

“Magic Shoze, see? (proud).”

“Not only is your head whimsical, now your feet are too…”

What kind of impression does he even have of me?

This isn't good!

In my embarrassment, I take off one shoe to show him.

…No one's watching, right?

“Seriously, these really do add height, see?”

“…Doesn’t that hurt your feet?”

“As ‘the price’ to pay, it’s light enough (tragic superpower vibes).”

“Well, you’re taller than me now.”

“Haha, yeah…”

“Starting to annoy me a bit now.”

“Whoa, whoa, take it easy (nervous), here’s the entrance fee…”

Feeling a bit scared, I quickly pull out some money and try to hand it to him.

But he doesn't even make a move to take it.

“Oh, you're VIP, right?”

“Eh?”

Wait, what did he just say?

“VIP guests don't pay.”

“N-No no no. I haven't heard anything about this…”

“Well, you don't need to think about it. The owner likes you, after all.”

“What…?”

“But you can't drink, so instead, I'll give you free drink tickets.”

“Please have mercy (sweating buckets).”

“Hahaha! VIP guest entering~!!”

“No seriously, please (desperate).”

I'd only heard of VIPs in passing. It's not like this is one of those anonymous message boards or something (so cringe).

First off, I haven't spent that much money here.

I've only ever bought the cheapest ‘water’ here.

…I'm a terrible customer, aren't I (realizing now).

Me, a VIP? Won't the regulars kill me for this?

---

“Kyuu★”

“Ughh…”

Just as I was getting ready to dance, it happened.

In an instant, those mesmerizing eyes I’d seen earlier appeared in my vision.

Before I knew it, she was standing right in front of me.

Of course, it was Haori-san… no, Hao-san. Did she use some kind of magic on me?

“Why’d you look away★?”

“No, no, haha (nervous sweat).”

Her voice, like a black hole ASMR (sorry for the rudeness), echoes in my ear.

She’s the owner, right? So, naturally, she’s the one who made me a VIP.

“Well I am glad! I saw you in that outfit, so I’ll let you off the hook★.”

“Eeh?”

“I've been wanting to see you like this for a while!”

This outfit?

Why does she sound like she knows something?

Wait, no, first things first…

“About—”

“You mean VIP membership★”

“Y-yes.”

“I am basically your fan. I used my owner privileges to make you a VIP★.”

“Eeh?”

A fan? Is she going to spin or something (brain on 5 IQ mode)?

Wait, no, she's a black hole, so shouldn't she be sucking everything in? (Being incredibly rude here.)

But—there's no time to think about that.

“Also, you’ve kind of become one of the club’s main attractions.”

“(Does not compute.)”

“Well, that's that! Let's go★.”

She grabs my hand and leads me to the unknown territory of this club.

Lavish decorations line the room, and expensive-looking sofas are arranged neatly.

Bottles of alcohol are everywhere.

In most clubs, standing is the norm.

But here, it's a place where you can sit down in luxury and enjoy the show like an audience in a grand theater.

It's like a place where nobles sip their drinks while watching the commoners dance.

This must be the VIP section!

“You look surprised★.”

“Well, I mean…”

I glance at the price list. Five digits.

This is definitely not a place for someone like me.

“It’s reserved just for you!”

“Uh, no, it's just that no one happens to be here right now, right?”

“Yes, it ‘just so happens’ to be like that★.”

“Haha (terrified).”

“Fuahahahaha!”

“”

“But hey, it's this time of day, so don't worry about it★.”

This person is scary.

Probably more terrifying than the Demon Lord. She's got money, after all. Money talks!

“S-so, what does the Empress desire from me…?”

“I just want to see what you’re capable of.”

“Sorry, what?”

Wait, am I about to fight?

Please tell me some men in black aren't about to show up from the back (laughs nervously).

“Bring it here★.”

“””Usu!”””

Three muscular staff members appear, marching in sync.

…In a way, it might've been better if they were dressed in black.

Wait, what's that transparent liquid they're holding? Poison? Alcohol?

Technically, alcohol is a kind of poison, you know.

And I'm underage, so…

Are we about to have one of those bar drinking contests you always see?

…

Wait, am I dead?

Dad, save me (my pleas go unheard).